Study Guide Basics

Exam Structure and Preparation

This section outlines the general guidelines and expectations for the Physics 7A midterm exam. Students should focus on material covered in the first four weeks, as indicated by lecture notes, homework sets, and discussion worksheets.

• Closed-book/closed-notes exam: No access to cellphones or the internet during the exam.

• Calculator use: Standard scientific calculators are permitted.

• Question types: Both conceptual multiple-choice and free-response problems will be included.

• Review materials: Homework sets 1–3, pre-lecture assignments, and discussion worksheets from weeks 1–4.

• Exam duration: 70 minutes.

Basics of 1D Motion

Units, Physical Quantities, and Vectors (Ch. 1, 2.1–2.6)

Understanding the foundational concepts of motion in one dimension is essential for problem solving in physics. This includes the use of units, vectors, and the analysis of motion through graphical and mathematical methods.

• Displacement, velocity, acceleration: Definitions and distinctions between average and instantaneous quantities.

• Graphical interpretation: Ability to read and interpret graphs of displacement, velocity, and acceleration as functions of time.

• Constant velocity motion: Description and equations for objects moving at a constant velocity.

• Constant acceleration motion: Description and equations for objects under constant acceleration.

• Free fall: Conceptual understanding of objects in free fall under gravity.

Key Equations (1D Kinematics)

2D and 3D Motion, Projectiles

Vectors and Projectile Motion (Ch. 3.1–3.3)

Motion in two and three dimensions requires a solid grasp of vectors and their properties. Projectile motion is a key application, involving both horizontal and vertical components.

• Vectors: Definition, representation, magnitude, and direction. Application to position, velocity, and acceleration.

• Projectile motion: Analysis and problem-solving practice for objects launched into the air, considering both horizontal and vertical motions.

Key Concepts

• Vector magnitude:

• Vector direction:

• Projectile equations:

  • Horizontal:

  • Vertical:

Newton's Laws of Motion

Fundamental Laws and Applications (Ch. 4.1, 4.2, 4.3–4.6)

Newton's Laws form the basis for understanding forces and motion. Mastery of these laws is crucial for solving a wide range of physics problems.

• Newton's First Law: An object remains at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by a net external force.

• Newton's Second Law: The net force on an object is equal to its mass times its acceleration.

• Newton's Third Law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

• Mass vs. weight:

  • Mass: Measure of inertia, scalar quantity.

  • Weight: Force due to gravity, .

• Problem solving: Relating forces to resulting acceleration in various scenarios.

Getting Serious with Newton's Laws: Tension, Friction, and Circular Motion

Forces in Multiple Contexts (Ch. 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 3.4, 5.4)

This section covers the application of Newton's Laws to more complex situations involving multiple forces, friction, tension, and circular motion.

• Friction:

  • Static friction: Prevents motion up to a maximum value.

  • Kinetic friction: Acts during motion, typically less than static friction.

  • Friction in problems: Calculation and conceptual understanding.

• Tension: Force transmitted through a string, rope, or cable when pulled tight.

• Circular motion:

  • Centripetal acceleration:

  • Centripetal force: Net force required to keep an object moving in a circle.

  • Frequency/period and speed:

• Multiple forces: Applying Newton's Laws to systems with more than one force acting.

Exam Equation Sheet

Potentially Useful Equations

The following equations are likely to be provided or required during the exam. Students should be familiar with their use and application.

• Kinematic equations in 1D:

• Newton's 2nd Law:

• Acceleration in uniform circular motion:

• Quadratic equation:

Additional info: Values of constants, unit conversion factors, and trigonometric identities will be provided during the exam.